No Room at NZ’s Christmas Inn for Down syndrome?
Media Release 23 December 2018
Family First NZ says it is deeply disturbed that a family is being turned away from New Zealand and torn apart because of one of the family members having Down syndrome. They are calling for the government to overturn this heartless decision immediately.
“People with Down syndrome are human like all of us, and are not a burden on society. We should be supporting families like the Suhinthans, not punishing them,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“New Zealand should be uniting families, not dividing them.”
Family First is calling for the Minister of Immigration to act promptly to overturn his department’s decision and to give this innocent girl, Bumikka, and her family a gift in the spirit of Christmas, on behalf of New Zealand.
“This is an opportunity for the government to show a compassionate face to a family in need. By granting Bumikka a visa to live here, New Zealand will reap a great reward. Her family will clearly contribute positively to our social fabric.”
“New Zealand will also show an important societal message – that the Down syndrome community will not be discriminated against, but welcomed with open arms.”
ENDS
